So it begins…
Prepare yourselves, you will have limited time to review these upcoming chapters. They will be uploaded back to back, so be ready to compile your thoughts on your own as quickly as possible. I won't be down there to help you this time. For this one, I'll probably give you the weekend.
Read, rate, review, while you still can.
Your time here is borrowed.
The Boy— Hyoudou Issei, sat quietly inside of his parents closet as creatures of unknown origin sweeped his home for survivors. Unbeknownst to this child, these creatures were Devils searching for injured or killed human beings. Their objective was to retrieve all humans within the vicinity of the contained field and erase their memories after treating their injuries.
However, the Red Dragon Emperor contained within Issei's newly acquired "Sacred Gear" utilized the last of his current power to mask the boy's presence, as he hid himself away in his parents room.
Eventually, the Devils abandoned Issei's home, leaving him to sit in the silence left behind by his now empty life.
"...Ddraig…? Are you there..?"
Issei's gauntlet was still present on his arm, but there was no response from the dragon. Hearing nothing back, Issei stepped out from the closet and walked down the stairs. For a moment, he thought that perhaps reality wasn't what he had perceived it to be and looked down the hall of his home.
But he could still see the blood that was scattered everywhere, as well as the unidentified remains strewn about. The only thing he recognized — was that severed hand.
"..."
In all of the hollow futility left from understanding his own plight, Issei lifelessly walked out of his home into the street. Before he had realized it, it was already morning. It left him to wonder how long after discovering his parents' remains did he just sit there, doing nothing. All up until Ddraig advised him to hide somewhere, stating that he must not be found under any circumstance.
But Issei felt no fear towards his warning. His adherence to Ddraig's advice was mindless and unquestioned. He had not the care or the fight in him to refuse. He merely did what he was told with no resistance.
And now that it was all over, having no direction and no directive, the boy stumbled aimlessly on weak legs through the streets of his destroyed neighborhood, his path lit only by the early morning sun.
"...Kaa-san…. Tou-san…. Where are you..?"
The streets, the houses, the neighborhoods, everywhere around him was completely deserted. Empty, or destroyed. It was as if he was truly the only one left alive in the world.
[Burst!] [Reset!]
Finally, the power granted from the Boosted Gear disappeared and along with it, the gauntlet as well. And Issei immediately collapsed onto the cold street.
"Kaa-san…? Tou-san..? Where did you go…?"
The hollow expression on the boy's face never changed. Yet still, the tears poured out from his eyes.
"...You left me here.…alone…"
Brr…!
After some time, a sound that matched the engine of a firetruck entered the vicinity. Issei surely heard the loud slams on the side of the vehicle as well as the voices of men riding it.
"Stop, stop! There! On the ground! We've got one!"
Shortly after hearing the commotion, Issei felt his limp body being lifted. Above him was a human fireman, carrying him to the safety of their truck, likely already completely unaware of the circumstances which befell their own town. But Issei didn't register the faces of the men, their shouting, or their assurances. Instead, Issei's eyes were caught onto the twilight of the rising sun beyond the mountains in the distance. A sun with no warmth behind its visage…
"...Alone… I'm…. I'm all…"
"... Alone…"
Issei opened his eyes calmly, awakened from the dream that took the form of a long forgotten memory. And though he appeared emotionless, a lone tear fell from his eye and disappeared into the fabric of his pillow.
"Alone.."
His whisper caused his beloved "cousin," Maki, to shift uncomfortably from atop his chest. He wasn't expecting to see her sleeping on top of him considering that the sofa doesn't have enough room to fit two persons, let alone himself, but he didn't question it. He rubbed the blissfully slumbering girl's hair and kissed her head. After giving his affection, he gently removed her and left her asleep on the couch. He walked through the living room while avoiding Satoru and Narutobi, who were both on the floor in their sleeping bags. He couldn't help but mentally note how populated his home was now that his family was visiting from Nagoya.
"Meow~"
"Shh."
He shushed the black cat, who had returned suddenly the previous night, rubbing up against his leg.
Carefully stepping out of the living area without alerting his sleeping guests, Issei made his way down that dark hallway. When he reached the former playroom— now shrine room dedicated to his parents— he knelt down before the memorial site of his mother and father.
"...Kaa–san… Tou-san… Are you there?"
He spoke out into the silence, seeing only the reflection of his child self within his parents portraits.
"...Whatever happens, no matter what I do, please remember…that I am your son…. I am Hyoudou Issei…. I am your one and only child… I will always do my best to respect your memory, I will always seek to redeem your honor…. And I will always pursue your retribution— the retribution that you so rightly deserve. Against any and all odds, I will obtain your justice by force. I'll bring the justice that all of those who were lost deserved. That is my duty as the Sekiryuutei. And I'll bring you the justice that you've deserved for so many years. That is my duty as your one and only son— Hyoudou Issei. So if I do something that shames you, forgive me…. But please remember, I am doing only what must be done.. "
The faces of his parents lit up with a red glare from the reflection of his glowing eyes.
"—I must wipe them from existence. Every single last one of them."
In the end, his promise has never truly changed.
The Day of Fate
"Alright, everyone. Are we ready?"
Rias asked her fellow club members.
["Yes!"]
—Finally, the day of the peace conference between the Three Biblical powers has arrived. The members of the Occult Research Club were preparing themselves for attendance. All dressed in their school uniforms, save for one of them.
Xenovia and Kiba observed the numerous legions of Fallen-Angels, Angels, and Devils all holding guard outside of the old and new school building.
"It feels like the slightest thing could set them off, no?"
"Yeah, it's somewhat unnerving. Who knows how long they'll be able to stand each other's presence. Still, I'm surprised. It seems like the Fallen-Angels have the lowest numbers… I would've thought that it was the opposite."
Raynare narrowed her eyes suspiciously and interjected with a thoughtless whisper.
"It should be…"
For some reason, she had a nagging feeling. Something was making her uneasy. Perhaps it was the tension built by the presence of all Three Factions and the possibility of war breaking out? No… It was something else. And she had very good suspicion on what it was.
Looking around the room, she found her answer.
—The man who had previously been handing snacks off to Koneko and Gasper was now standing at the empty window. Was he looking out at the moon, or at the massive magical barrier obscuring it?
For a moment, the sound around her faded out and she only focused on his quiet voice.
"...Anyone who enters this place…will be trapped inside….. Ten years of waiting…. Not long now, mum, dad…"
Raynare felt an unsettlingly heavy "sinking" feeling.
"Hey. You okay?"
Hesitantly, she approached Issei from behind and asked. He said..
"...Raynare. No matter what happens, you'll protect Asia…. Alright?"
The sinking feeling became even heavier.
"...Yes, of course…. And you will too. Won't you?"
To that, Issei did not respond. Raynare felt her skin go cold when she caught a glimpse of Issei's expression.
Without saying another word, Issei walked away and quietly joined the others.
"Alright then, everyone. Let's go."
The ORC finally set off.
'Onward, towards peace,' they collectively thought.
When the door shut behind everyone, only Gasper and Koneko were left behind. Gasper reached into his bag of potato chips while playing his portable video game console, but he noticed Koneko's unease.
"What's wrong, Koneko-chan?"
"...I have…..a very bad feeling…."
New School Building - 10:08 PM
The doors to the new school building's board meeting room opened, revealing all of those who were inside. The ORC entered the room slowly, but for Issei, everything felt in slow motion. He took in all of his surroundings before they were even directed to sit anywhere in particular.
Sona Sitri and her Queen had already arrived and were sitting on the sidelines. At the table, the leaders of each faction could be found with a companion or two somewhere behind them.
For Sirzechs it was the obvious choice, the French maid Grayfia. However, he was also accompanied by the other three of the four Maou, situated on his side of the table. One was recognizable to Issei, that being the Magical girl Serafall Leviathan, who happened to dispose of the Magical girl outfit this time for a more professional suit instead. The other two Issei didn't recognize, but his companions certainly did. They had met them on the night of Kokabiel's defeat. The mysterious, composed man with long hair, Ajuka Beelzebub. And then the bald man with a goatee that was yawning and practically falling asleep as it happened, Falbium Asmodeous.
For Azazel, it was none other than Vali and Bal who were both leaning against the wall behind him. Vali paid little to no mind on what was happening before him, instead only focusing on Issei, who had entered the room. Issei shot him a glare before deciding to ignore him. Bal, on the other hand, gave Issei a two fingered salute to greet him. Just as always, his eyes implied that there was something he knew that no one else knew…
And finally, behind Michael, there was Irina. Issei was no more shocked to see her there than Xenovia was. Irina didn't make eye contact with him, and he's sure that she even looked away when they all entered. Not a surprising reaction. Lastly, there was another individual accompanying Michael.
It was—
"Wha…"
Issei froze mid step, and all of the hairs on his body stood up on end.
.."It" was sitting with its legs crossed, away from everyone else, in an extravagantly constructed seat that was ill befitting of the room it was placed in. Oddly, it was distanced away from both the wall and the table, leaving it in a position that stood on its own. Almost as if to say that it was an existence that didn't belong in any category similar to the others…
The thing in that mighty chair—it was a white masked "magician" in a red suit.
[—?!]
Issei's entire body froze, causing his group to stop and look at him perplexedly. Rias had never seen him make an expression like that. When she followed his gaze, she noticed the masked magician, the one from Issei's memories. Her shock went through the roof, as if she innately understood the significance of this mysterious creature's presence.
Then, with an unnerving turn, the white smiley-face slowly reared its sights to Issei and Issei only. Issei's breath caught in his throat as the "Angel" suddenly stood up.
Without warning, it leisurely approached Issei with its hands placed behind its back. With every step, Issei's arm came closer to his side, until he eventually summoned his Boosted Gear behind himself without making a sound or emitting light. He even took a step back unconsciously.
"..."
Finally, the magician stopped in front of him and….bowed. It bowed its head as if it was done playing a magic show and awaiting praise. But instead of that, one of the hands placed across its belly sprang up with lightning speed before Issei, presenting him with something.
Fwip!
That familiar sound— the sound of a playing card being flipped into existence in front of Issei, held between the magician's fingers. It presented it to him and froze in place, waiting for him to take it.
"A…. Another fucking card again…?"
Hesitantly, Issei reached out and took it. The moment he placed his fingers on the card, he pulled it away with great speed, as if subconsciously afraid of what might have happened if his grip lingered. When he inspected the card, he found a message, as expected. Just like that time when he was a child, mysterious letters made of light appeared and changed form into Japanese Kanji, accompanied by a number.
The message read…
(..33 days..)
….
"What?"
Confused, Issei flipped the card over, only to see that there was a Jack of Hearts on the opposite side.
Whoosh!
The magician's body shot back up to an upright position again, causing Issei to flinch. But the "Angel" did nothing more. And without a single word spoken, the magician walked over to its seat and vanished.
"...Huh?"
It vanished into thin air along with its seat. There was no magic circle, there was no vapor, no "poof," nothing. It simply vanished in a way that Issei and his group couldn't comprehend. Issei didn't "witness" it disappear, it was just gone with a blink, leaving only a single iridescent feather on the floor.
None of the leaders of the factions seemed surprised, but it still felt as if there was tension amongst them that finally faded. From the looks of it however, even Vali appeared shocked. Bal, who was beside him, seemed amused by this fact.
For a brief moment, Issei questioned whether that magician's existence was just always a consequence of his madness, but when he realized the playing card was still in his hand, he threw that thought away.
"Ise.. Are you alright?"
Rias asked him worriedly, noticing his pale faced expression. Eventually, Issei gathered himself enough to place the playing card into his jacket pocket. His memorable jacket that he wore when he fought Kokabiel and Raiser, patched back together by both Rias and Asia.
"...Yeah, I'm fine.."
The odd number on the playing card was stuck in his mind.
"Forgive him, he is an envoy of Heaven, like myself. However, he is…. No, well, that is unknowable to you."
"—Who is he?"
Immediately, Issei asked the pertinent question. Michael appeared hesitant to answer, as if finding it difficult to describe the magician's existence. But surprisingly, it was the Viceroy Azazel that answered his question.
"That guy is an anomaly. Amongst all of the Angels in God's legion, only he and Michael are the ones determined by divine command that they "cannot fall." No matter what they do, they'll stay as Angels forever. In that way, they're the closest existences to the deceased God in nature, especially since they were the first ones he created. But that leaves a pretty good question on the part of their "free will," don't you think? Kuku, maybe I shouldn't make jokes like that. Michael might get angry with me."
"I meant a name, asshole."
"Ah? Oh, that. Well, sorry about that, but I can't say it. Like Michael said, it's unknowable to you. His name is blessed— no, rather, I would say that it is "cursed" by God. It's not the type of name that can be thrown around carelessly by most beings, especially around humans. Most unholy creatures with too much darkness or not enough power will burst into flames saying it. And human beings die once they hear it. In other words, if I said it right now, you'd probably fall flat on the floor, dead. Optimistically, that is. God's curses can be pretty nasty, ya know? Aside from the curses placed on both [Samael] and Sekiryuutei, that guy's name is one of the strongest curses he left behind. It is the "curse of [Adam and Eve]" after all. The curse of mankind, fufu. I wouldn't play around with it if I were you."
Azazel's answer perplexed Issei as much as it frustrated him. He despises the smugness behind Azazel's responses. He turned to Rias to see if she knew anything of it, but she appeared just as clueless as the rest of them. Although she did seem knowledgeable on the "curse of mankind," she didn't have a moment to discuss it.
"..You should all sit down. We have much to discuss."
At Sirzechs' instruction, the ORC went to sit in the chairs placed against the wall. However, as Rias and the rest sat beside Sona, there was an empty seat left beside the redhead.
"..Ise?"
Instead of sitting down, Issei stood against the wall beside the seats. He stood there alone, tapping his elbows with his arms crossed. Antsy, agitated, restless. These are the only words that could describe Issei's behavior. His eyes were strained into a glare, focused, but not on anything in the room.
His mind had finally returned, only "elsewhere." Wherever that may be..
"Very well. Let us begin the conference."
10:22 PM
Some time had passed since the conference began. Rias and Sona provided their testimony as to the events that took place regarding Kokabiel. Michael and Sirzechs prodded Azazel inquisitively.
" So, it's as my sister, Rias Gremory, said. Well then, would the Fallen-Angel commander care to comment?"
Azazel laughed heartily.
"Hahahaha! So then the reports of my own scout are true. It was basically just the Sekiryuutei who took care of my General. How characteristic of him. I see. Well, on the note of my own comments, I've practically already given them. The recent incident was the result of Kokabiel's individual actions and motivations. Your Sekiryuutei took him down. Preferably, I would have had Kokabiel returned to me alive so that he could face his proper punishment. I was planning on sending him to the lowest levels of Cocytus. Unfortunately, things didn't turn out that way."
Michael agreed with the governor's words, but somewhat reluctantly.
"Indeed the death of Kokabiel has caused some…complications. From what I've heard, there was even a "defection" on your side, Azazel. My informants described it as a "mass exodus," led by none other than one of your highest ranking officers, Amaros."
"Yep, that's true. Kokabiel had no shortage of supporters before his death. Many of the defectors were old timers who had been through the war and thought we had "unfinished business" with our enemies, but there were also some young ones who became influenced by his beliefs as well. Kokabiel was a good speaker after all. Morale was what he specialized in during the war. If there was anyone who could fire our troops up with passionate speeches, he was it. After his death, Kokabiel became a martyr that served to fuel the feelings of "discontent" or "disappointment" growing amongst my ranks. We lost more than 30% of our forces because of that."
[—!]
Azazel revealed a shocking fact. Surprisingly, or perhaps unsurprisingly, Sirzechs defended Issei's actions.
"Hyoudou Issei-kun had no choice. Had he not done what he did, my sister and her entire peerage would've perished, along with many other innocents contained within the town. Kokabiel brought the Sekiryuutei down near death's door, and likewise he was the only one who could have defeated the warmonger. I don't believe you, of all people, have any right to judge him for that."
Serafall Leviathan echoed Sirzechs' sentiment.
"That's right! Thanks to the Sekiryuutei-kun, my precious Sona-tan was safe! If Sekiryuutei-kun wasn't around, there would've been more hell to pay for your side as a result! In fact, I can personally guarantee you that you would've faced the consequences, governor-san…"
Serafall ended her outburst with an uncharacteristically threatening tone, causing many of those in the room to feel uneasy. Azazel just shrugged it off.
"Aye, I suppose that's true. It would've been a shame if this town was destroyed. Especially after what happened 10 years ago. It's a nice little place. With that being said, I'm not actually blaming the Sekiryuutei, believe it or not. Kokabiel's death wasn't as a result of the Sekiryuutei's actions. Hyoudou Issei did not kill him. In fact, it was my very own scout, the troublesome fellow behind me, who did it."
Yet another shocking revelation from the governor. Up to this point, everyone had been under the impression that Issei was the one who killed Kokabiel, even Issei himself. However, Azazel contested that and claimed that it was in fact Bal who did it.
"You're saying that it wasn't Hyoudou Issei who defeated Kokabiel?"
"No, I'm saying that he wasn't the one who killed him. The finishing blow was dealt by my companion here, behind me."
Azazel pointed to Bal, who waved his hand at the leaders with a mischievous smile.
"Yaho! That was me! My bad 'bout that, I guess! Sorry not sorry!"
Sirzechs furrowed his brows in suspicion.
"Azazel… You aren't saying this to save face, are you? Are you expecting to claim in your official reports that it was by "your hand" that Kokabiel was killed, simply so that you can avoid the consequences of a possible "coup" from any detractors? Or perhaps it's a sign of goodwill from you to us? You're saying that you'll take responsibility on the diplomatic side in order to relieve our side of any baggage?"
Azazel scoffed at Sirzechs assumption.
"Heh, I'm afraid you're wrong on both counts, Sirzechs. I'm not saying this to save face or help you guys. In truth, no matter what I say, the fault lies with me, and the results won't be pretty. Neither idea would avoid the potential for a coup. If Kokabiel was killed on my orders, then he becomes a martyr because I tried to "silence" the voice of those who were unsatisfied with the status quo.
If he was killed by the Sekiryuutei, who is supported by the Devils, then he becomes a martyr because we need to take revenge on those who murdered our "mighty" General. So you see, there's no difference. Either way, there'll be strife. His death, overall, was a bad thing. It would have benefited us more so if he had survived and stood trial. Then, we could have found him guilty and exposed his madness to the organization. From there, he could've been imprisoned in Cocytus, as originally planned."
"So what you're saying is… I didn't kill that bastard after all? He survived my attack?"
For some reason, Azazel found Issei's reaction amusing.
"Yeah, that's right. As a host of one of the two Heavenly Dragons, I'm sure that type of sentence is a complete shock to you. I wouldn't shed any tears over it though. According to Vali, that was your "strongest" attack. It's not vain of you to assume that you'd killed him with that. But you should remember that this is my General we're talking about. He survived greater battles than your human brain could have ever imagined. Battles involving all of the original Satans and God alike. Not to mention our encounter with the Oppressing Dragon and Vanishing Dragon, who attacked us simultaneously. He may not have defeated these opponents one-on-one, but he still fought against them on the same battlefield. You were lucky enough that he stole technology from Grigori that the "Archbishop of Death" modified to allow him to transfer portions of his strength to others. According to my scout's report, he might have given somewhere between 10 to 15% of his power to his underlings that you fought that day. If he was at full capacity, you wouldn't have won on your own, and I doubt any of your friends could've been any help at that level. When I sent Vali to apprehend Kokabiel, I didn't send him alone. I also sent him along with my scout, because I had confidence that the two of them would be smart enough to know how to defeat him together. Although, if my scout had assisted you, I'm sure the result would've been the same. He might not look it, but he's a strong one, this guy. Anyway, to conclude what I've been saying: the Sekiryuutei did not kill my General. That was the result of my scout's actions, which I had not approved of. And as of currently, the official record in Grigori already states that his death was orchestrated by an agent of mine, hence why there was such an abundance of defectors from our faction instead of just the usual rowdy bunch who start holding meetings and calling for war as a collective."
That was Azazel's lengthy explanation of everything. Logically speaking, it all made sense. It was no wonder that tensions between the Fallen-Angels and Devils didn't immediately skyrocket after the death of Kokabiel. It was because tensions were rising amongst their own. Inner turmoil came to the forefront while political tension fell to the wayside. That wouldn't have been possible if the detractors of Azazel's rule didn't band together and defect. So indeed, the wiser decision was for Azazel to claim responsibility for his General's death instead of leaving it on the Sekiryuutei. Weaken and divide Grigori rather than allow them to unite for revenge against Devil-kind.
Internally, Issei questioned whether or not Bal had considered all this before killing Kokabiel, and if so, he was impressed. But judging by the odd smirk and "shh" gesture Bal delivered to Issei from across the room, he doubted the possibility. He isn't sure if Bal was so "altruistic…"
"Your explanation is sufficient enough, at least on behalf of Kokabiel and your faction. But what matters more is yourself. What of you personally, Azazel? Did you hope to stir up some trouble through Kokabiel's "shenanigans?" After all, he was under observation the entire time thanks to your [Owl,] wasn't he..?"
Michael questioned Azazel with an uncharacteristically antagonistic tone. Azazel laughed it off, just like before.
"Hahaha, nah, not me. I've got no interest in war. It's true, we kept him under supervision and allowed him to act until as far as he began to involve other factions. Our report should also mention the not-so-nice things Kokabiel had to say about me. I may be crazy about sacred gears, but I'm certainly no warmonger."
This time, it was Sirzechs who asked him.
"Then in that case, I've got just one question for you, Azazel… In these past few decades, why on earth have you been gathering sacred gear possessors?"
"Hmm? You're asking something like that? I thought it was obvious. Does it not satisfy you to hear that it's just my hobby? It's what I'm interested in so I'm researching them. If you want, I could even forward you guys some of my findings. I know you might be interested in it, Ajuka Beelzebub. Ah, but you've always been more of the "anatomy" and "building blocks" sort of guy, haven't you?"
Shockingly, the sleeping Maou, Falbium Asmodeous, opened one of his eyes and spoke.
"In the past, when you began amassing humans and bolstering your ranks with sacred gear users, we thought for sure that you must have been planning to wage war on someone. It seems too convenient for you to say that it's just for research purposes alone, don't ya think?"
"Oh please, I'm far too busy with my own research to wage war on anybody. Besides, I'm far past that age where battles interest me anymore. I'm good with the world as is. I've even told my lackeys not to interfere with the politics of the human realm. We're not interfering in religious matters either, or the Devil's work. —Honestly, if you ask me, I'd say I'm the least trusted one in this whole three-way arrangement."
"You wouldn't be wrong." "Quite right." "Agreed." "It's true !" "Aah, yep."
Azazel grumbled at the unanimous agreement between the other leaders. Even the tired Asmodeous agreed after a yawn.
"Tch! I didn't think it was possible but you guys are somehow even more annoying than God and the previous Lucifer… So my research doesn't jive with you all, huh? Fine, more for me.. Anyway, let's do away with the fancy words and formalities already, shall we? —Let's make peace. We're practically already working together behind the scenes already, now we just need to put it into writing and make it official, right? Ultimately, that's why we came here together today, isn't it?"
The leaders of the Three-powers, despite their issues, appeared to be all in agreement on that. They were ready to make peace, for their own reasons. And so, with the signing of a few papers, and a few uncomfortable handshakes, the peace treaty came to be.
Azazel sat back down with an exhausted sigh.
"Well, that settles the issue between us. I suppose that only leaves the issue of those two outside of the Three-powers. Sekiryuutei, Hakryuukou. I want to hear your opinions on this."
Azazel addressed the two elephants, or rather, "dragons" in the room. Vali was the first one to answer with an unaffected shrug.
"Well, the only thing I value is fighting strong enemies. As long as I get to battle with the strong, I don't care what happens."
"Lucky for you, you don't need war to fight strong enemies."
"...Heh, I suppose that's true."
Vali's response appeared unbothered on the surface, but somewhere underneath, it seemed as if he felt a sense of dissatisfaction.
Azazel then placed all of the attention solely onto Issei.
"Well then, what about you, Sekiryuutei, Hyoudou Issei? What is it that you value? What do you think of "peace?"
There was a long pause and a heavy tension started to build in the air. Issei's expression remained the same as before, hostile and seemingly raring to kill at any moment. From appearance alone, one could assume that his answer would undoubtedly be "war." However, his enemies, his war, lied elsewhere..
"...War, peace, alliances, treaties… Whatever it is that any of you do, it has no effect on me. I don't care about any of it. You could declare war right now and if by tomorrow the lot of you destroyed each other, I wouldn't even bat an eye. None of it matters to me. Kill yourselves or play nice, I don't care. As long as none of you interfere with my life, I couldn't care less."
Azazel chuckled smugly.
"Heh, it doesn't involve you, eh? And what about your friends then? They're Devils, you know? If a war breaks out and they get involved, they'll die. You alright with that?"
After so long without budging, Issei's eye twitched. He hesitated to respond.
"...I doubt that the doting Sirzechs Lucifer and Serafall Leviathan have the stomachs or spines to send their little sisters to their deaths, even if it means breaking the rules. Besides, for someone like Rias Gremory, the "princess" of the Gremory clan, it'd be foolish to send her out. She's their only heir."
"Even so, there's always attacks happening from every side. Even if one isn't sent out to battle, ambushes and assassinations tend to occur. She'd be a target."
Issei clicked his tongue frustratedly.
"...Those who'd interfere with my life would die... That includes those who would target my allies… They'd die before they get the chance."
"Which means that you'd inevitably be acting as an ally to the Devils. Protecting the heiress of a clan belonging to one of the 72 pillars, that isn't a neutral position, ya know? From the eyes of outsiders, that would definitely make you a Devil sympathizer, if not a full-blown ally."
Azazel's response irritated Issei to no end. There was already the issue of Azazel's smug, know-it-all attitude, but now he was throwing logic back into Issei's face. Issei couldn't deny what the governor said and that frustrated him.
"—Let's make something clear, you wise prick. I don't care for any of you. Not your politics, not your beliefs, not even your peoples. In fact, it was all of those very same things which facilitated the circumstances that caused my parents deaths, and the deaths of so many others…. What I care about is only what is close to me, what matters to me. You can call that selfish or whatever you want, I don't give a shit. All I know is that I have a mission. A goal to accomplish. And so long as none of you get in the way of that, I don't care what you do."
"A mission, huh? And tell me, what does that mission entail? What is your goal?"
Azazel asked Issei upfront, but he, as well as the others, knew the answer.
"...You know what I want."
"—Destruction. That's what you want. You want revenge on the ones called [Khaos Brigade], don't you?"
The members of the Occult Research Club, as well as Sona, became aware of a name they had never heard before. Only Rias recognized it from hearing it being rung out within the depths of Issei's memories. It was them who initiated the attack on Kuoh and killed his family.
"...Revenge. Justice. Retribution. Call it whatever you want…. All I know is that I'll get what I want. And what I want…. — is simply to eradicate them all from existence. Each and every single last one of them."
By this point, Azazel's smile was already gone. Even he knew that this was no laughing matter.
"...And what happens if there ever comes a time when that thirst for revenge endangers those you care about? What will you do then? Will you protect your friends or will you continue your pursuit of vengeance? War or peace. Love or hatred… What will you choose?"
The long and heavy silence returned once more, with even more power than before. The longer the silence lingered, the more the tension increased and the more that the leaders of every faction raised their suspicions. Meanwhile, Issei's associates became increasingly worried, and Vali and Bal observed intently.
"...I won't endanger those that I care about just for the sake of myself…. I protect my family and I'll protect my friends too. That won't change, no matter how many years pass…."
For a brief moment, the pressure in the air seemed to lighten up. Most seemed satisfied with Issei's answer, but Vali and Azazel were not, though it was for different reasons.
"...However.."
—And in one fell swoop, all of that tension returned, and Issei looked at Azazel with possibly the most disturbed expression he'd ever seen on a human being.
"I REFUSE to betray my duty. No matter what happens, I WILL have my revenge. I'll do what must be done in order to achieve my goal, even if that means destroying my mind, my body, and my soul. Even if it means making the entire world my enemy. I'll destroy the Khaos Brigade, even if it's the very last thing I accomplish in this world. And anyone who tries to get in my way— they will die along with the rest of them."
….
Azazel's eyes narrowed intensely and his voice leaked out as a morbid whisper.
"...You've already made your choice, haven't you…?"
The long quiet remained, but Michael made an attempt to salvage the conference in his own way.
"...Speaking of which, Sekiryuutei, Hyoudou Issei-kun. You said you still had things to ask me, did you not? Since we have a moment now, I wouldn't mind answering any of your questions."
Somewhere inside of himself, Michael was hoping that, somehow, there could be an opportunity to alleviate some of Issei's hatred and find his humanity. Perhaps if his question pertained to some sort of wish that he could fulfill, then from there, he could gain some good standing with the boy. If he could satisfy him or quell the anger in his heart, maybe there was hope. He was all too optimistic…
Issei recalled to himself the questions he held for Michael. He spared a single glance towards Asia and then to his own chest, where his necklace hung. Inevitably, his hand came up to grasp said object and hold it tightly out of comfort.
"My partner... Marie Bellerose… What..did you do with her body?"
Issei's head hung low, as if refusing to meet Michael's eye when receiving the answer. Michael answered solemnly, and for some reason, very hesitantly.
"...Upon retrieval, her body was transported back to the church of her home country…. There, she was buried in Rouen's on-site cemetery.."
Issei's voice became even lower when he asked his follow-up question.
"...Was she buried alone…?"
"..She was buried alongside her father."
"...I see….."
After receiving the answer to both of his questions, Issei's expression briefly remained somber. Judging from the look on his face, there wasn't any real answer in the world that would satisfy him, but at the very least, they weren't bad outcomes. Still, Issei had one more thing to ask about…
"I see….. Then, just one more thing….. Tell me, Michael. Why was Asia excommunicated from the Church?"
"Ise-san…?!"
Even though Issei didn't bother to hide his animosity, it made no difference, Michael would've sensed it anyway. Michael answered with a sigh.
"...After the death of Our Father, only the Angels of Heaven and the "System" was left in His place. You could call it the power to administer divine protections, mercy, and miracles. As of now, it is barely functioning with me as the centerpiece, but I am not enough to replace Our Lord. The truth is, without God, the System's stability is shaky at best. Many aspects of the world's natural balance have been thrown off to a sizable degree, hence how something like the "Holy-demonic sword" can come to be. Many prayers are left unheard and nearly all are left unanswered…. Consequently, we observed that there was a need to avoid anything that could negatively affect the system on a wider scale. Asia Argento's "Twilight Healing" is an unfortunate example of that… Because of her ability to heal Devils and Fallen-Angels, an ability which did not exist within said Sacred Gear before the death of God, the System's integrity could be compromised. If the Church and its believers began to question that issue on a grand scale, the System could potentially fail. And from there, every prayer would go unheard, every miracle would be undone, the Holy powers would lose their potency, and slowly but surely, Heaven would crumble. Then finally, "God," down to the very concept, would die….. That's why, from a tactical perspective, our smartest moves to make…are those which separate us from those which can compromise the System. This is why we excommunicated those who knew of God's death, and why Asia Argento was inevitably branded as a "witch." It was riskier to admit that her abilities were such than to label her as a witch who healed evil creatures…. Even the Archangels took a vote on the subject matter. All of those amongst us agreed with what needed to be done. Only our sister, Gabriel, voted against it…. So you see, it is for those reasons that both Asia Argento and Xenovia Quarta were labeled as "heretics." And for that, truly, you have my deepest apologies.."
Michael bowed his head sincerely. Asia and Xenovia stepped forward together in response.
"Raise your head, Michael-sama."
Asia smiled sweetly at the Archangel.
"Michael-sama… Although I have suffered, I am happy with my current life. I am happy that I was able to meet these people that I can call my friends and loved ones. I am proud of my place in life. I have no regrets. That's why, I forgive you, and I forgive all of those in the Church as well. Please do not ever feel as if you must apologize to me."
Asia also smiled back at Raynare, causing her to blush after having attention placed on her. Asia tried to do the same with Issei, but his head was still low and she couldn't tell what he was feeling at a time like this.
Xenovia followed suit and forgave Michael as well.
"The same goes for me, Michael-sama. Although I have become a Devil, I am grateful for my current life. Despite everything, truthfully, I can say that I have no regrets. That's why, don't worry about me. You don't need my forgiveness for anything."
"...I am grateful for your kind and forgiving souls. Thank you."
Michael lifted his head worriedly, but not for the sake of the girls, instead for the man on the side.
"...Is that all you have to say for yourself?"
Needless to say, unlike Asia or Xenovia, Issei's tone was not forgiving.
"...Is that the best you can muster up as an excuse? "The needs of the many overpower the needs of the few?" Is that what you're trying to say? Or is it that necessary sacrifices must be made for the sake of Heaven? For the sake of the world..? —Nonsense. It's all meaningless nonsense. You mean to tell me that Asia's kindness would've caused the world to crumble? You expect me to believe that? Just because she decided to heal some dying rat out of the kindness of her heart, she's punished for it..? That power didn't exist before God's death? So you're telling me in a world where God still existed, He refused to let those with holy power heal any who weren't associated with Him? Only with His death could Asia's kindness mean anything, and when it does, she gets fucking punished for it..?! That's what you're telling me, isn't it?! Instead of teaching your followers to accept the idea that God's love could reach even those of demonic origin, you decided to cast out someone that believed that even a Devil deserves to live! Bullshit! Everything you said, all of your excuses, it's all meaningless bullshit!"
Issei's anger boiled over to the surface, causing Asia great distress. But she didn't have the chance to comfort him or hold him back, because to her surprise, it was Raynare that stopped her. Whether she was somehow concerned for Asia's safety or she just agreed with Issei's arguments internally, Asia didn't know.
"...It is regrettable to admit, but if we conceded to the idea that Twilight Healing could indeed heal other unholy creatures, that might arouse suspicion from those who knew otherwise. Worse yet, it would be like lying to all of our followers. It's simply a matter of fact that the Twilight Healing possessed no such abilities before God's death, so saying that it was merely an extension of God's love would be a lie. And if it is regarding Our Father and His nature, then lying is simply the one thing I refuse to do. I was hoping you'd understand that at least…"
"Heh…. "Lies," huh? What a bunch of horseshit, all of it. You're willing to lie for your corrupt churches but not for one of your most devout followers, one so kind and helpful that you once called her a "saint." If you and your God were so charitable, then wouldn't you refuse to condemn one innocent girl simply on behalf of one act of kindness? It's all a bunch of nonsense… but at the very least, you've admitted that your God isn't so loving as your followers would expect Him to be. He's plenty hateful, isn't he? So hateful in fact, that He was the one that placed the unloving curse of tragedy on the Sekiryuutei and all of his hosts. Because of His hatred, you've got a "bastard" like me runnin' around nowadays. Isn't that right, Michael? Because of Him, Devils couldn't even be healed by Twilight Healing until He perished. Hmph, what a pack of fools you all are... You have only yourselves and your Father to blame for something like this…"
Gradually, Issei's anger rose to even further heights.
"And then, what about my partner, huh..? What about what she went through? Do you have any excuses for that? Do you have any explanations, any justifications as to why she was treated like worthless trash by her own church? Her own church and people, that she shed blood, sweat, and tears for, condemned her for some imagined cowardice that they projected onto her..! All because she wasn't some heartless killing machine with the ability to eradicate a bunch of psychos who brainwashed innocent people into doing their bidding! They ostracized her, scrutinized her, dishonored her, cast her out and sent her off to die! A fucking suicide mission that was bound to humiliate her or end her life! Just like you did with Irina and Xenovia! If it wasn't for the rest of us, they'd both be dead by now! You were too afraid of war to do anything yourself?! You COWARD! You're all cowards! Always looking down from your noses like you're better than everyone else, like you're uninvolved, calling others cowards, BUT YOU'RE THE COWARDS! ALL OF YOU! Tell me, Archangel! Where was your Father's love when those spineless bastards cast Asia out?! Where was it when they abandoned my partner to die?! Where was it when she was lying dead in my arms?! HUH?! ANSWER ME! ANSWER ME, MICHAEL!"
Issei's body quaked with rage and his voice shook the board room. His mask of composure had finally broken apart.
"Forgiveness?! You dared to ask me and Isabella for forgiveness yesterday?! FORGIVENESS?! YOU WANT FORGIVENESS?! THEN RETURN HER TO ME! STOP BRINGING ME RELICS OF THE PAST AND BRING HER BACK TO ME INSTEAD! RETURN WHAT BELONGS TO ME! THE GIRL THAT YOUR GOD AND YOUR PEOPLE ABANDONED, SHE'S MINE, NOT YOURS! SO RETURN HER TO ME! RETURN MY PARTNER— MY LIGHT— MY FRIEND…! GIVE BACK MY MARIEEEE!"
….
….
And for a long while, there was a deafening silence. With a growl, Issei gave his final "peace" on the subject.
"...You can't do it, can you….? That's what I thought….. If you can't do that, then you can forget about receiving my forgiveness…. Because no matter what happens, you won't get it…. Not from me…."
Issei's madness subsided and he returned to his muted position, saying nothing more beyond that point.
Michael frowned sadly and with deep regret. His next words came out as a whisper, heard by none besides himself. He lifted the papers on the table in front of him just slightly, revealing that there was an item hidden underneath the stack. It was a playing card.
"As I feared, that was your answer after all…. So I have no choice then…. I must allow that creature to…... Forgive me, O' Lord…"
In the midst of all of this, the tired Maou, Falbium Asmodeus, shot awake with full awareness.
"Sirzechs..!"
"Hmm? What is it, Falbium?"
Only a moment later, Sirzechs and the rest of the leaders felt it. Out of pure intuition, Sirzechs shot his gaze back towards Hyoudou Issei.
—At that moment, he saw it in the Boy's sudden change of expression.
They are here.
It felt as if only a moment passed for most of the Occult Research Club. When they opened their eyes, practically everything was the same, save for all of the leaders that were now on their feet.
"Rias, are you alright?"
Sirzechs tapped his sister's shoulders, bringing her back into awareness.
"Onii-sama..? What happened?"
Before Sirzechs could answer Rias's question, she observed her surroundings. She quickly became aware of everyone's positioning in the room. The leaders had cleared away from the window of the boardroom and stuck closer to their own affiliates from each of their sides. This included the Yondai-Maou, who were now surrounding Rias's group and the others with an almost defensive position being set.
The reason being….
—Hyoudou Issei, who stood closest to the window, gazing out into the sky.
"Ise..?"
Rias stepped forward to approach Issei, but she was pulled back by Grayfia.
"Eh? Grayfia? What are you doing? Let me go."
"You mustn't approach him, Rias-oujosama."
"What? What are you talking about? Onii….sama?"
Though she looked to her brother for support, he didn't look back. Sirzechs' eyes were locked onto the quivering Issei at the windowsill, as were the eyes of all of those around him. When Rias looked at Issei properly, she could tell that his shoulders and his fists were shaking intensely, and he was breathing heavily, rapidly. It almost appeared as if he was a living, ticking time-bomb about to burst…
"It looks like "that bunch" has finally appeared…"
Ajuka Beelzebub was the only one amongst the group whose sight wasn't deadlocked onto Issei. Azazel's gaze broke away for a moment as he glanced at the happenings outside.
"...Yeah, and from the looks of it, they've come in full force. I can see some of my old subordinates amongst them… So the defectors really did join them after all. The Khaos Brigade.."
It was the moment right after Azazel spoke that accursed name aloud.
Issei's staggered voice finally escaped his lips.
"K….Ka…. Kha… kkk….."
He was making incomprehensible sounds. Between painful grunts, labored breathing, and low growls, none could decipher what he was struggling to say.
Suddenly, the voice of the Red Dragon Emperor emerged along with his Boosted Gear.
[—Devil-king, Sirzechs Lucifer!]
"Welsh Dragon Emperor..?"
Just as Ddraig's voice was released, the Boosted Gear began to emit a blinding green light and a truly foul aura unlike any other leaked from Issei's body. The light emitted from the Boosted Gear's jewel was an intensely inconsistent one, pulsing like a strobe light with an unsettling rhythm. In every sense of the word, it gave off the feeling of a "time-bomb."
[You are the only one with the power capable of doing this, so I'm asking this of you! —On behalf of my partner, protect those children around you! Without your protection, they will undoubtedly burn up and die!]
"—! Very well. I understand."
"Wait, Ddraig! What's happening to Ise?! Ise, what's wrong?!"
—But Issei couldn't hear Rias's desperate cries.
Instead, as he stared out into the sky filled with enemies with eyes widened to their fullest extent, the only thing he heard was Ddraig's voice.
[So, the day has finally come, eh, partner? …We've waited ten years for this. Ten long years… No, ten years too long, it seems. —Very well. So be it then. There's no turning back now. It's too late. If they've decided to show themselves, then we have no reason to hold back. No more…. Do it then. Let it all out, partner. All of those feelings trapped inside of you, all of that rage, release it. Expand your power. We've both waited long enough. —Partner. Son of Gorou and Miki Hyoudou. The strongest Sekiryuutei to ever live. Release it. Let go of your restraints. Revenge yourself upon the murderers of your kin.]
And so, with one final word of confirmation from his partner, and from something else, it was done.
《 [—RAMPAGE, HYOUDOU ISSEI.] 》
In one fell swoop, the combined emotions of the Welsh Dragon Emperor and his human host reduced the new school building to dust.
[" RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH! "]
